Trump Says US Could Claim Strait of Hormuz After Iran War
US President Donald Trump has said he could soon declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, making the extraordinary claim while speaking at a political rally in New York state.
Trump said the move would come after the United States finishes defeating Iran. He made the remarks with a chuckle but then insisted that the statement was serious.
The comments come amid an escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the strategically vital waterway, through which a significant share of global energy shipments passes.
Trump Defends US Action Against Iran
Trump, alongside Israel, launched military action against Iran on February 28, saying the campaign was aimed at ending Tehran’s nuclear programme and encouraging political change inside the country.
Iran has retaliated by asserting control over much of the Strait of Hormuz, while the US Navy has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in an effort to put economic pressure on Tehran.
Trump told supporters that the United States currently has the ability to restrict shipping through the strategic passage. His comments come as tensions over the waterway continue to disrupt global energy and commodity trade.
Trump Warns of Higher Fuel Prices
The US president also asked Americans to accept the possibility of paying more for gasoline as a consequence of the campaign against Iran. Trump argued that higher fuel costs were necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and described the US military action as a service to the wider world.
The remarks could carry domestic political consequences as rising energy prices threaten to undermine Trump’s pledge to reduce costs for American consumers. Democrats are expected to highlight the economic impact of the Iran conflict as the United States approaches the November midterm elections.
Trump, meanwhile, defended his decision to strike Iran and said he would not apologise for the military campaign.
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